PAGE – The City of Page is back in the golf course business. Aramark is scheduled to hand the keys back to the city Sept. 7.

The city plans to purchase inventory, including pro shop merchandise, restaurant supplies and golf carts. Estimated costs are $40,000 for pro shop inventory, $10,000 for food and beverage inventory and $65,000 for golf carts. The council will discuss buying maintenance equipment Aug. 14.

The city may have a marketing advantage over Aramark. According to National Park Service documents (6.15.1.1 General Advertising Requirements), “Concessioner advertising is allowed in the park if it is for goods, services, or facilities available within the park and is, in the superintendent’s estimation, desirable and necessary for the convenience and guidance of visitors.”

For example, the city can work with local hotels and tour companies to market golf package deals and other incentives to attract golfers. The timing appears good for Page with Fall just around the corner.

According to an NPS official, exceptions are made. “Every contract is unique. Though the NPS does approve any advertising by our concessioners, we do not prohibit advertising for any local attractions. In fact, Aramark is currently advertising the Page Golf Course as an attraction on the Aramark website.

Negotiations are also in the works with Western Legacy Group. The firm wants to buy city land for a 70-90-unit apartment complex overlooking the golf course. Rent will be market value. A two-bedroom apartment would rent for around $900. Developer J Richard Smail said the southwestern style apartments will be neither high-end or low-end, but affordable for teachers, hospital workers and similar income brackets. The plans presented to the council showed a mixture of one- and two-story buildings.